Power House Amuse, one of the best respected tuners featured in the Hot Version videos, bring two of their best performers to compete and demonstrate the importance of weight and power when it comes to road racing. Their S2000 gained notoriety when, after significant weight loss and mild suspension tuning, demolished the more powerful competition on Hot Version’s Touge Showdown. With a carbon hood, trunk and roof, titanium exhaust and other lightweight parts, the S2000 measures in at an astounding 2,500 pounds. With 260 horsepower, it’s not the quickest car in a straight line, but with sublime balance and agility, it certainly corners well . The Amuse car improves upon the S2000’s strong points – namely its scalpel-sharp front end – and buffs out its rougher edges, like its lack of composure over bumps. All this tuning has solidified the S2000’s reputation as a focused sports car.

With wide arches, big wheels and an aggressive-looking front bumper, the Amuse 350Z looks quick standing still.

The 350Z, on the other hand, has always been more of a grand tourer than a thoroughbred sports car, but that hasn’t stopped Amuse from taking one and putting it on a strict diet. With the addition of a carbon hood, carbon doors, lightweight racing seats and a titanium exhaust system, the Amuse 350Z weighs in at a very respectable 2,900 pounds. Though it’s still a bit chunkier than the petite S2000, don’t think it doesn’t handle well. The Z also makes up for its heft with engine displacement. When these two go head-to-head on the circuit, the results are somewhat surprising.

Not only have the weight savings made for better braking and cornering, but the footwork has been refined too: their composure over the bumps at speed shows how well their suspension works. With both cars running a square tire setup, they turn in well and tend to oversteer, but that’s to be expected with drifters Tsuchiya and Orido behind the wheel! Watch and marvel, because you’re in for an intriguing display of how agility and power determine the outcome between these closely matched rivals.